Organizers hope to generate new interest in band music with a free two-day concert in Victoria Park

What started as a simple musing over lunch with friends has become a local two-day festival celebrating band music and musicians for the country’s sesquicentennial.

On Sept. 16 and 17, more than 300 London-based musicians will perform a variety of genres of music at the bandshell in Victoria Park for free. Organizer Ted Medzon said he was enjoying lunch with some fellow musicians last year when somebody asked, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a band festival?”

Many months and much time and effort later, 14 bands are ready to play at Bands 150, co-sponsored by the United Way and the London Arts Council. Each band will play for 40-45 minutes and their repertoire includes classic big band music from the 1930s and ‘40s, concert band, Dixieland, and jazz.

Medzon said he, Al Shipley, and the organizing committee had three goals:

“We wanted to make it free — all the musicians are playing for free; we wanted to show the variety of band music available here; and encourage young people to continue their music.”

Many of the musicians are current and retired school music teachers.

“Our learning objective is to play good arrangements and interesting music,” Medzon said. “There is nothing like a live performance.”

George Laidlaw, who plays in three of the bands, said the festival showcases the rich history of music in the city.

“London is the most musical town in Canada,” he said. “We have world-renowned choirs and great school music programs. People will be surprised by the breadth of Canadian music and musicians (on the program).”

Familiar names and tunes will include the music of Guy Lombardo, Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Moe Koffman, and Michael Buble.

Some of the local arranging talent includes Doug Keenan, Josh Hung and Peter Hysen.

“It takes some organization and Medzon had the courage to do it,” said Laidlaw. “He has the respect of a lot of people in town so they want to support him.”

Medzon credits his committee and all the musicians involved.

“A year ago the idea of a band festival in London seemed obvious as a sesquicentennial project while talking to many of my fellow musicians because of the wonderful history of professional, amateur, and school band music in the city. Within a month of surveying the interest of local band leaders we had 14 bands lined up. We hope that the Bands 150 Festival will generate a renewed interest in live band music in the London area.”